Before you buy a used car, you should make sure to inspect a vehicle history report from CARFAX® or a similar service. These reports reveal the car's title history, whether or not it's been in any accidents or suffered other damage, the number of owners, its actual mileage, and additional important information. If you are car shopping, the following are some of the most important reasons to check the history of any vehicle you consider.

3 Reasons to Check the History Report When Buying a Used Car

1. Flooding & Accidents

Floods wreak havoc on a vehicle. The moisture can short out the electrical system, compromise safety features, rot carpeting and upholstery, and cause mold damage. Even if the car has been detailed, it may suffer water damage and offer the new owner a wealth of problems. The same is true for accidents. Once it's been in a collision, a car may never drive the same or prove as reliable and safe.  A vehicle history report warns you if the car you're considering has ever suffered flood or accident damage, so you can look elsewhere—or at least go into the purchase with your eyes open.

2. Maintenance History

Many history reports include the maintenance history of the vehicle. This tells you how frequently important service was performed and whether the previous owner(s) cared for the car properly. For instance, if the report shows a history of timely oil changes, fluid flushes, tune-ups, and recommended service visits, you can feel confident the car has been treated well and should give you few problems. The report may even reveal who performed the service, so you can contact the mechanic to ask about particular concerns. 

3. Mileage

It's important to know the vehicle’s actual mileage so you can follow an appropriate maintenance schedule. For instance, higher mileage vehicles need more frequent oil changes, and vehicle manufacturers recommend certain procedures—fluid flushes, tune-ups, etc.—at certain mileage milestones. The vehicle history report provides the actual mileage of the vehicle, so you know how to maintain it and also so you can check against the odometer reading. If the numbers differ, you should investigate why in case there's something fraudulent happening.

When you're in the market for a quality used car, stop by Paniagua Auto Mall in Dalton, GA. They have served customers throughout Whitfield County and North Georgia since 2004, specializing in used trucks and certified pre-owned cars. They accept trade-in cars and offer financing to make your purchase as affordable as possible. Learn more about them on their website, or call (706) 529-1919 to ask about particular used car makes and models.